Family traditions

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Gus had her first heated religious discussion today with one of her class mates. Somehow the topic of religion was brought up the other girl asked Gus what church she went too. Gus's reply was perfect "I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
The other girls response not so much "we'll that church is wrong and the only way you can get to heaven is if you go to the Baptist Church"
Gus's counter was simply " Well, that is your choice, we all can make our own choices. I believe in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"
Her classmate tried to argue more but Gus didn't want to discuss it anymore so she walked away.

Tonight we had a pretty good discussion about how she dealt with it. Needless to say I am a proud mama!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

How many times have I uttered the words "Recess is not long enough"? I wouldn't even attempt to count nor should I, but rather I should wipe the phrase from my vocab. Imagine with me, if you will, the following scene.It's a beautiful spring day. Lunch Recess is over. First and Second grade students are filing back into school with their teachers leading the way. Two very disgruntled recess duty teachers are up in arms because the kindergartners refuse to line up. Not just one or two stubborn kiddos but 42, five and six year-olds continue to play all over the playground. A few on the soccer field, a couple on the swings, several on the monkey bars, jungle gym, and slides. THEIR Recess is not over. Thinking that I can solve this problem I step out the door and yell for my class to line up, a few of them stop look at me, a couple even take a step or two but then change their minds and go right on playing. Wow, what persistence, and really what am I to do about this? The paraprofessional (aka Teachers Aide) from the other kindergarten class attempts the same strategy, for sure she would get results. No one blinks an eye. Not knowing what to do at this point I have to laugh how could they have possibly gotten all 42 of their peers to cooperate in this extended recess endeavor? Furthermore, how are they standing so strong in their cause? Okay time to out smart the little dears, this time as I yell out to the playground it is to one particular student "Emily, what were we going to do this afternoon? Oh yeah we're having a balloon party! I guess we'll just have to cancel." That did it, all 21 of my little protesters came running in to class. The other class as if their leaders had fallen, or inspiration had ceased walked begrudgingly back to their own classroom. What a great dream! So glad it was just a dream.P.S. We really are having a balloon party in Kindergarten on Monday!! SO EXCITED!!